Adaptive backstepping control of variable speed wind turbines

Variable speed wind turbines maximize the energy capture by operating the turbine at the peak of the power coefficient, however parametric uncertainties in mechanical and electrical dynamics of the system may limit the efficiency of the turbine. In this study, we present an adaptive backstepping approach for the variable speed control of wind turbines. Specifically, to overcome the undesirable effects of parametric uncertainties, a desired compensation adaptation law (DCAL) based controller has been proposed. The proposed method achieves global asymptotic rotor speed tracking, despite the parametric uncertainty on both mechanical and electrical subsystems. Extensive simulation studies are presented to illustrate the feasibility and efficiency of the method proposed.